Book Reviews

I love this book! Elizabeth Johnson’s knowledge of Traditional Chinese Medicine, warmth as a healer and passion for dogs has come together in a true trifecta. This is not only a fun and contemplative read, it is a reference book that should be on every dog lover’s shelf. Her guidance through the elements as well as the element specific stories helps you to see your own dogs and yourself! I also applied this to my horses and cats! I love the organization of this book. And of course, I love the attention brought to the shelter/rescue animals that need understanding right out of the gate. Bravo Elizabeth! Well done!

What frames our view will also frame our understanding. Elizabeth Anne Johnson provides us with a powerful framework for seeing our dogs in nuanced and supportive ways. The Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approach of 5 Element Theory takes on new life in Johnson's capable hands as she applies this ancient understanding to our dogs.

Know Your Dog’s True Nature provides a new framework for seeing and responding to our dogs and dog friends in their golden years. When we know more, when we see in new ways, we discover new options. Johnson's lifetime of experience with dogs and animals of every kind shines through, as does her compassion and healing approach to the journey we share with other species. Highly recommended!

What a fabulous book for dogs and their 2-leggeds! Elizabeth Anne Johnson’s deep rapport with dogs and humans, coupled with her all-encompassing wisdom of the Five Elements of Chinese Medicine, come alive in this practical guide to recognizing and loving your dog’s traits – quirky or not.

With the fun quizzes and charts, you can explore both your dog’s and your own Five Element archetypes, and see how they fit together. The result is a true offering for bringing harmony and compassion to our dogs and ourselves with loving kindness. Thank you Elizabeth Anne Johnson.

Elizabeth has written a book that will be a shining treasure for those who love dogs. Five Element Theory is a beautiful and powerful lens through which to better understand all aspects of animal care from health and wellness, training and performance, as well as learning and loving styles.



When we better understand our animals, we can see the world through their eyes and serve them best. Elizabeth's book will help us do just that. I am so excited to have her clear voice to show us a new approach to an ancient way toward harmony with our beloved dogs.

Know Your Dog’s True Nature is a fascinating and comprehensive book detailing the ancient theories of the five elements and how they show up within our beloved canine friends. This is a one-of-a-kind, complete guide that will enhance your relationship with your dog through the understanding of their unique and natural rhythms. As you recognize the element’s characteristics and traits in your dog, be prepared to learn more about yourself as well!



This wonderful book provides tangible information to identify and understand your animal’s emotional and physical needs as they navigate the seasons of their life. Elizabeth Johnson has beautifully created a much-needed resource that is sure to become your go-to book for your animal’s wellness journey!

I was first introduced to the five elements through a veterinary acupuncture certification course I was taking. The book we used was a progressive one at the time - The Web That Has No Weaver. Elizabeth’s work is a step above, far above, in practicality. It shows you simple, understandable ways to use this technique for better health and understanding for your dogs and yourself. If you are interested in dogs and Traditional Chinese Medicine, this is a must-read!

This book is super fun, practical, and lively! It's a true fusion of the wisdom and healing techniques from the TCM system and an enlightened approach for any dog parent to enhance their training program. 

Do dogs know us better than we know them? Probably. Here’s a new book that offers you a guide to understanding your dog and his tendencies identified by the Traditional Chinese construct of the Five-Element Theory. Know Your Dog’s True Nature by Elizabeth Anne Johnson provides insights in how to determine your dog’s personality archetype which will reveal how best you can work with your dog while building a loving and caring relationship. This book will help you understand and appreciate your canine even more than you already do!

I have live-captured and rescued more than 150 dogs from extremely stressful situations caused by natural disasters, highway accidents, or adoption events. Elizabeth’s five-element behavioral theories are offering me an opportunity to understand why individual dogs make individual decisions.  

Understanding why these “Lost Dog Syndrome” dogs behaved uniquely in the past will help me be a better dog rescuer in the future!